Apr 19, 2020
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 7:1-6
In the first few verses of Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon makes some statements that sound like the polar opposite of what we usually think. "The day of death is better than the day of birth" (Ecc 7:1) . . . "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting" (Ecc 7:2) . . . "Sorrow is better than laughter" (Ecc 7:3) . . . "The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, while the heart of fools is in the house of mirth" (Ecc 7:4).
To understand the meaning of these rather shocking declarations, we must see them, not as categorical statements, but that they are true in a certain sense. Sorrow, for example, is not better than laughter in every way, but it is better from the standpoint of instruction. Wisdom is gained more from our seasons of pain than from seasons of pleasure.
These statements are not unlike James 1:2,3 … "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." Suffering is probably God's most effective way of purifying His people and making them strong. Therefore, from the perspective of sanctification, the house of mourning, though not more comfortable than the house of feasting, is better.
". . . we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" (Rom 5:3,4).
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